Menton 🍋— A Sun-Kissed Lemon Drop of a Town

Stepping into Menton, the first impression is the intense South of France charm! 💛 It feels like a sun-kissed lemon drop—sweet but not cloying. 🍬 In the old town, cobblestone streets are lined with buildings in bright yellow🍋, coral pink, mint green🍵... These colorful structures shine under the sun. The air is filled with the fragrance of lemon trees and orange blossoms🍊. Unlike the hustle and bustle of Nice🇫🇷, Menton has a more laid-back Italian flair🇮🇹. How to Get There from Nice: 🚞 - 🚂 Take the TER regional train (about 40 minutes). - 🚗 Or drive along the coastline (about 30 minutes). The train hugs the Côte d'Azur, with views of the azure Mediterranean Sea, steep cliffs, and colorful towns along the way—it's like a moving painting. 🎨 Recommended Attractions: ⭐ 1️⃣ Basilique Saint-Michel: This Baroque-style church sits atop a hill. Climbing to the top offers panoramic views of the red-tiled roofs and the Mediterranean Sea intertwined. 2️⃣ Port de Menton: Fishing boats gently sway, and open-air cafés are perfect for daydreaming and watching the sea. 3️⃣ Jardins Bioves: The main venue for the Lemon Festival, this garden is lush and green all year round, ideal for a leisurely stroll. Locals often sit with a book for hours, enjoying the tranquility. 4️⃣ Explore the Alleyways: Wander into a random alley, and you might stumble upon hand-painted tile walls, family-run lemon dessert shops, or even a hidden artist's studio. 🛍️ Shopping and Food Recommendations: 🍽️ - Local lemon honey; handmade ceramics🪔 - Lemon stewed fish; Italian-style seafood pasta; lemon ice cream; lemon soda; Provencal rosé wine🍷 - Must-try for dessert lovers: Tarte au Citron (lemon tart), with a perfect balance of sweet and sour♥ 🍖 At the end of the post, I mentioned a Turkish kebab place. The kebab was delicious😋, and you can feed the birds while eating. They'll fly right to your table, so cute🤗! The owner was super friendly, and after a short chat, he even gave us authentic Turkish coffee and tea☕. We exchanged Instagram handles and became French internet friends! Lemon Festival Fun: 🎊 In February, the Lemon Festival (Fête du Citron) is the highlight of the town. Giant lemon sculptures, parade floats, and light shows transform the city into a citrus fairy tale world🎈. Even outside the festival season, you can find lemon liqueur, jam, soap, and other special products at the market🎁. Menton's Charm: 💯 Menton's allure lies in its dual personality. During the day, it's a peaceful haven for healing. At night, when the lights come on, the music and waves intertwine in the square, making it vibrant and full of life. You can't help but cherish this slow Mediterranean moment. If you prefer to avoid crowds and savor authentic small-town life, Menton won't disappoint🍋. If you have time, I highly recommend staying overnight. #Menton #LemonTown #LemonFestival #MyHiddenTravelTips #ColorfulHouses #YellowHue #TravelByColor #LemonTownMenton #Nice #Provence